Every parliamentary written question tabled by Adam Jogee this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 541–560 of 889 · this parliament
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of publishing a heat strategy.
The National Adaptation Programme, published in 2023, sets out in a single document the programme of actions that government is taking to address climate risk, including on overheating.
Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the Government’s approach to climate adaptation.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues on a range of issues. Ministers and officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are working with departments on the issue of climate adaptation.
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with the Government of Pakistan on former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The UK Government consistently urge Pakistani authorities to act in line with their international obligations and respect fundamental freedoms and human rights. The Foreign Secretary raised these issues in meetings with Pakistan's Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister when he visited Pakistan in May. While judicial matters are for Pakistan's courts, we have consistently emphasised the need for due process, fair trials, and humane treatment for all, including Mr Imran Khan.
What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of PM2.5 exposure on children’s health outcomes.
Air pollution exposure can be harmful to everyone. Children are more vulnerable to the effects than adults due to their incomplete lung development, high physical activity and breathing rates, and lower height, which increases exposure to traffic pollution.The UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) assessment of children’s exposure to air pollution in outdoor school environments identified that, in 2017, one third of schools in England were in areas with PM2.5, exceeding the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) previous annual guideline of 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air (µg/m3).In 2021, WHO updated its guidelines for PM2.5 from 10 µg/m3 to an annual mean of five µg/m3.The Committee on the Medical Effects of Air Pollutants published advice on the susceptibility to air pollution in March 2025. They concluded that, based on the latest evidence, advice for children with asthma should continue to be included in the Daily Air Quality Index.The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) provides The Daily Air Quality Index (DAQI) which is available at the following link:https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/air-pollution/daqi?view=more-infoThis informs on the levels of air pollution and provides recommended actions and health advice. The index is numbered 1-10 and divided into four bands, low (1) to very high (10), to provide detail about air pollution levels in a simple way, similar to the sun index or pollen index.UKHSA contributed to the Royal College of Physician’s report on air pollution which explores the impacts of air pollution over the life course, including through childhood and adolescence. UKHSA has a Cleaner Air Programme which aims to reduce people’s exposure to air pollution, particularly the most vulnerable groups, including children.The Programme is described in UKHSA’s ‘Chemical Hazards and Poisons Report’ of June 2022, available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/chemical-hazards-and-poisons-report-issue-28
Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) political and (b) security situation in Pakistan.
Pakistan remains a valued bilateral partner. We closely follow political developments in Pakistan and continue to advocate for democratic principles and the rule of law. On security, we are concerned by the impact of militant violence in Pakistan and recent regional tensions. We welcome the 10th May cessation of hostilities following the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan. The Foreign Secretary discussed these issues with Pakistan's Prime Minister and Interior Minister on his recent visit to Islamabad in May, and more recently with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister. We advise British nationals to consult our travel advice regularly.
What steps her Department is taking to ensure that schools in (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) Staffordshire are able to offer high quality music education through (i) the national curriculum and (ii) in music education.
As part of the government’s Opportunity Mission, the department wants to widen access to music education.Music Hubs continue to play a vital role across England, with grant funding of £76 million for the 2025/26 academic year. This includes nearly £2.2 million for the Hub partnership led by The Music Partnership, covering Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, and includes support for schools in Newcastle-under-Lyme and wider Staffordshire.The department is also investing £2 million to support the Music Opportunities Pilot over four years, helping disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs and disabilities learn to play instruments or sing to a high standard in schools across 12 pilot areas. This includes Sir Thomas Boughey Academy in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The government established the Curriculum and Assessment Review to seek to deliver a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum, including music. The final report and government response will be published this autumn. Following this, we will legislate so that academies will teach the reformed national curriculum, alongside maintained schools. This will ensure music is an entitlement for pupils in every state-funded school.
Food and Rural Affairs, what his Department's policy is on the registration dates for industry under UK REACH.
We are aware of stakeholder concerns about the feasibility of these dates and will provide further information in due course.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether closer co-operation on chemical regulations was discussed at the UK-EU Summit on 18 May 2025.
Co-operation with the EU on chemical regulations is provided for under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Whether she has had discussions with the Prudential Regulation Authority on the potential impact of reforming Solvency UK on the availability of annuity capital for investment in (a) housing, (b) transport and (c) infrastructure in (i) the UK and (ii) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency.
I have regular discussions with the Prudential Regulation Authority on a range of subjects, including the potential of recent reforms to the prudential requirements for insurers to have a positive impact on investment into productive UK assets, such as housing, transport, and infrastructure.
Food and Rural Affairs, whether he plans to include discussions on the future co-operation on chemical regulations in the annual UK-EU summits.
Co-operation with the EU on chemical regulations is provided for under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
What steps she is taking to ensure that people with mental health conditions are not disproportionately disadvantaged by the proposed reforms to PIP.
As I set out in the House of Commons on 1 July 2025, the Government has listened to the concerns raised by Members from across the House about the proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP). Clause 5 of the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill would have amended the legal framework underpinning PIP assessments, specifically by implementing a new requirement that claimants must score a minimum of four points in at least one daily living activity to be eligible for the daily living component of PIP. In light of the concerns raised, I confirmed during the debate that clause 5 would be removed from the Bill in Committee.(Hansard, 1 July, col 219) Any changes to PIP eligibility will come after a comprehensive review of the benefit, which I shall lead, co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, clinicians, experts, MPs and other stakeholders, so a wide range of views and voices are heard. This review aims to ensure that the PIP assessment is fair and fit for the future.
Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to the consultation on the UK REACH Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm) for chemicals.
Defra will set out its approach to chemicals regulation in due course. This will include explaining what approach is being taken towards the UK REACH alternative transitional registration model (ATRm), which was subject to public consultation in 2025.
What assessment she has made of the potential impact of increasing the breadth of subjects students study at A-Level on (a) life chances, (b) employability and (c) the economy.
High and rising school standards are at the heart of the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity and give children and young people the best life chances. The government has established an independent Curriculum and Assessment Review, covering ages 5 to 18, chaired by Professor Becky Francis CBE.The Review aims to ensure that the assessment system captures the strengths of every child and young person and the breadth of curriculum and prepare children with the skills for future life and work.The independent Review’s interim report sets out that many areas of the curriculum and assessment system are working well, including A levels.During the panel’s next phase of work, it is addressing subject-specific challenges, aiming to ensure a rich, broad, inclusive and innovative curriculum that readies young people for life and work.The Review’s final report and recommendations will be published in autumn, at which point the government will respond.
Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions his Department had with the Paymaster General regarding UK-EU trade and environmental standards prior to the UK-EU summit in London on 18 May 2025.
Ministerial colleagues have had and maintain regular discussions with the Cabinet Office and other relevant departments on UK-EU trade and environmental standards.
What steps her Department is taking to ensure more students from less affluent areas are taught by trained maths teachers.
Recruiting and retaining high-quality teachers is critical to the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity. This is why the government’s Plan for Change has committed to recruiting an additional 6,500 new expert teachers in secondary and special schools and in our colleges, over the course of this Parliament.The department has announced an initial teacher training financial incentives package for the 2025/26 recruitment cycle worth £233 million, including bursaries worth £29,000 tax-free and scholarships worth £31,000 tax-free mathematics.For 2024/25 and 2025/26, mathematics teachers in the first five years of their careers who choose to work in disadvantaged schools will also receive a targeted retention incentive worth up to £6,000 after tax.Our High Potential Initial Teacher Training (HPITT) programme, delivered by Teach First, specifically supports schools in disadvantaged communities to recruit the teachers they need. Over the last three cohorts in 2022, 2023 and 2024, an average of 82% of HPITT participants across all subjects have been placed in disadvantaged schools.
Food and Rural Affairs, if he will publish his Department's strategy for (a) the chemicals industry and (b) chemicals management.
The Chemicals industry is noted as a key foundational sector within the Industrial Strategy which helps underpin almost all other manufacturing sectors, including priority sectors such as Advanced Manufacturing. Delivery of a Chemicals Strategy to establish a regulatory approach and priorities for the sustainable use of chemicals was a commitment included in the Environment Improvement Plan (EIP) 2023. Defra’s future approach to chemicals management will be set out in the revised EIP, which will be published later in 2025.
Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that (a) Newcastle-under-Lyme constituency and (b) other communities have access to covered tennis facilities to enable year-round play.
The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed at least £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the nation following the Spending Review. We will now work closely with sporting bodies - including the Lawn Tennis Association - and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans. The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England - which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. Sport England provides long term investment to the LTA, which receives up to £10.2 million for 5 years from 2022 to invest in tennis and padel initiatives that will benefit as many people as possible.
Media and Sport, what plans she has to continue funding tennis facilities following the conclusion of the Park Tennis Project.
The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed at least £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the nation following the Spending Review. We will now work closely with sporting bodies - including the Lawn Tennis Association - and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans. The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England - which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. Sport England provides long term investment to the LTA, which receives up to £10.2 million for 5 years from 2022 to invest in tennis and padel initiatives that will benefit as many people as possible.
Communities and Local Government, what steps she is taking to ensure that Homes England will take a strategic approach to affordable rural housing delivery by embedding the needs of the countryside at all levels of the agency.
I refer the hon. Members to the Written Ministerial Statement made on 2 July (HCWS771).We are giving further consideration to how policy can better promote rural affordable housing as part of our work to produce a set of national policies for decision making this year.
Media and Sport, what plans she has to invest in (a) tennis, (b) padel and (c) court-base sports in the 2025-2026 financial year.
The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed at least £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the nation following the Spending Review. We will now work closely with sporting bodies - including the Lawn Tennis Association - and local leaders to establish what each community needs and then set out further plans. The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England - which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. Sport England provides long term investment to the LTA, which receives up to £10.2 million for 5 years from 2022 to invest in tennis and padel initiatives that will benefit as many people as possible.